Numero 181
Jasmine Tommaso e Lorenzo Grassi
I Desertori
Life works in mysterious ways. Lorenzo and I are both originally from Rome, Italy but we met in Los Angeles in 2012. We both actively pursued music while living in L.A. and decided to move to the desert together in 2016. For us, the most important aspect of life is the shared experience. Even the simplest of things takes on a whole new meaning when it’s shared. This is why we value music so much. We have been playing together since 2012 and have released numerous projects together. The latest and greatest project, aside from the birth of our son Marzio in 2022, has been the opening of our restaurant “Spaghetti Western”. We longed for a place where good food, music, art, and community could be experienced. Lorenzo grew up in the same neighborhood as Sergio Leone (Italian Film Director). Ennio Morricone (Italian Composer) was my next-door neighbor, and my father (bass player Giovanni Tommaso) recorded on several of his soundtracks including “Once Upon a Time in the West”. With our Italian background and our journey to the Far West, “Spaghetti Western” embraces our love for good food, music, art, and celebrates the collective experience.
We are very fortunate to have united work and fun into one. We are musicians and owners of “Spaghetti Western”, a restaurant in Morongo Valley. In Italy, when you invite guests to step into your home, they become part of the family. And that is precisely what we have created here. Spaghetti Western is an extension of our home, where each and every guest can enjoy an all around immersive experience. Every detail, from the design, to the music, to the plate of pasta and glass of wine, is curated to guarantee an unforgettable experience. We also perform at the restaurant, so we get to express ourselves creatively through music as well.
We met in Los Angeles in 2012. We had both moved to California to pursue our love for music. We have been playing together now for over 10 years. We fell in love with the high desert and moved out here full time in 2016. There was an immediate connection with the desert and most of all, we were struck by the deep sense of community out here.
Our fondest memory in Morongo Valley is the day our son Marzio was born. He was born here at our home in Morongo. Our absolute favorite day!
This is a place we visit frequently. It’s not common to have water close by when you live in the desert. This creek brings us peace and we spend a lot of time here with our son as well. It’s a place for stillness and relaxation. A nice change from the fast-paced environment of the restaurant.
It’s wonderful to read about other fellow Italians’ stories and discover what pushed them to follow a non-conventional path abroad. Despite the many obstacles that come with leaving the comfort of your own nest, the thrilling reward that comes from adventure is truly extraordinary. Thank you for sharing our stories so they may inspire others to dream and follow their curiosity.
Being an ambassador of Italian style and culture abroad means more than just showcasing the aesthetics or traditions of Italy; it’s about embodying the values, creativity, and passion that have long been central to Italian identity. First and foremost, it’s about communication. It’s important to understand the nuances of Italian culture and convey them thoughtfully, whether it’s through culinary richness, the art of craftsmanship, or, most importantly, the principles of “la dolce vita”—living life with passion and appreciation for beauty in everyday moments.
Ultimately, we see our role as an opportunity to inspire. Italy has always been a source of creativity and innovation. Being an ambassador means helping people see Italy not just as a destination, but as a source of inspiration, and encouraging others to adopt the Italian approach to living—valuing quality over quantity, savoring life’s simple pleasures, and striving for excellence in everything we do.
